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Saturday, April 28, 2012

The story follows a toy cowboy, Woody, who seems to be jealous of a new toy, Buzz, that takes his place as his owner’s favorite. The conflict takes the duo into new heights of understanding friendship, jealousy and hate. The film is comedic, emotional, charming and very magical. Toy Story is a completely unforgettable film for it’s fans. The way the two main characters are developed is amazing, though it mainly focuses on Buzz and Woody only, it’s what made the film so powerful, not to mention more entertaining. The comedy between Buzz and Woody seems to be a stronger element than the emotional dynamic, but Toy Story is an, overall, entertaining film which will satisfy viewers of all ages. It’s not only the best Pixar film of all time, in my opinion, it’s the greatest animation film of all time.

Part 2

One of the greatest sequels of all time. Toy Story 2 continues the story of the toys, as they attempt to save their friend, Woody, who was abducted earlier and is now about to be sent off to a foreign country. Arguably better than the first, but it’s definitely not as entertaining. Toy Story 2 is definitely higher on a poignant level, but it never loses it’s charm and strong comedic elements along the way. What made this a standout movie, as a film alone and not a sequel, is the development of the characters. They seemed to gain new understanding of love, friendship and even sympathy for one another. The characters even seem to receive a much bigger role in this film than the first. Also, Toy Story 2 explores deeper into the life of a toy. This film is one of the rare sequels that is an actual classic in it’s own right, such as Godfather Part 2, Star Wars – Empire Strikes Back, Lord of the Rings The Two Towers and The Dark Knight, to name a few. That’s in my opinion, anyway.

Part 3

Quite possibly the most poignant of all three Toy Story films, and maybe even Pixar in general, Toy Story 3 follows the story of these beloved characters, as they desperately try to find a new home. But, escaping the evil clutches of Sunnyside day care seems to be a bigger priority for them. The characters have really grown on us, they have not changed at all after ten years, amazingly. Usually movie sequels that come this far become a bit tawdry; most notably Shrek 3 or Ice Age 3. But Toy Story 3 is anything but tired, as the entertaining plot keeps us hooked with suspense and it’s brisk pace. The film feels as magical as ever, and the animation has improved over the first two films. While it may not be as fresh or enthralling as the first two, it’s still a timeless film by Pixar.

Finding Nemo

An epic story of a widower clown fish who loses his son to humans. This film is the best adventure story in Pixar history, as it’s placed on a grand scale, making it an epic. The characters were partially interesting, possibly not as great as other Pixar films, but entertaining throughout. Before Up, Disney had never really made long journey films. Finding Nemo was new for it’s kind, and the setting being an ocean, they had a whole world of ideas to explore. This film was poignant and sad to a suitable level, while adding as much comedy as it could have. Finding Nemo is great for both adults and kids, great for both of them in a very different way. The emotional conflict makes it easy to relate to for adults, and the winsome attitude will have the kids attention.

WALL-E

A story of a lonely, trash cleaning robot, WALL-E, left on a contaminated Earth to clean it, as the humans are away on the mother ship in space. This mother ship has then sent a female robot, Eve, to assist WALL-E, who quickly falls in love with her. But trouble abounds as Eve is called for an emergency on the mother ship. WALL-E desperately follows, in hopes of finding Eve again, even facing dangers in his quest. WALL-E is not only a classic animation film, but it also achieves success as a sci-fi film. It has some of the greatest visuals in animation I have ever seen. Due to the lack of verbosity, it’s characters seem odd in Pixar films. Either way, they’re still very intriguing, as the low dialogue makes the film even more charming. WALL-E’s story was less interesting than it’s visuals, but that didn’t stop it from becoming one of the better Pixar films. WALL-E is a classic that adults seem to enjoy even more than children.

Up

An old geezer ties thousands of balloons to his house, and flies off towards South America. There he plans to live his, and his deceased wife’s, lifelong dream. With him is a talking dog and a chubby boy, who gets him into a lot of trouble. A very compelling tale that seems to fit perfectly well with audiences of all ages. The characters seem to be one of the most memorable of all Pixar films, most notably the old man, Carl. He is as inspiring as he is powerful. He is very motivated for his age, and he proves that life is not uncontrollable, as he embarks on his tough journey to find his dream home. A giant cliff with a waterfall. Up is a poignant, moving piece that sets the standards in Pixar. Not to mention it’s amazing score.

This old festival held on the full moon night of November is said to be the most charming of all in Thailand. In Chiang Mai, a procession of floats with beautiful maidens sitting on goes through the city to the bank of the Mae Ping River, where hundreds of people assembling to float their banana-leaf containers (krathong) decorated with flowers and candles onto the river to worship the Goddess of Water. Moreover, Lanna-style hot-air lanterns are launched which are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.

It's a Mercedes Benz owned by an Abu Dhabi oil billionaire (naturally). Featuring the newly developed V10 quad turbo with 1,600 horsepower and 2800nm of torque 0-100km/h in less than 2 secs, 1/4 mile in 6.89 secs running on biofuel. That is NOT stainless steel, people. It's WHITE GOLD!!

There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.

Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth's magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God's / priests' flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth's magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja.

The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the "holy" water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay,the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol's feet and then wear them with the idol's blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of "seeking divine blessings" before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.

Energy lost in a day's work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), "must" visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God's words in somebody's dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.

The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as "elder's instructions" or "granny's teaching's" which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.

Jallikattu or Eruthazhuvuthal or Manju Virattu is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations usually on Mattu Pongal day. This is one of the oldest living ancient sports seen in the modern era. Although it sounds similar to the Spanish running of the bulls, it is quite different. In Jallikattu, the bull is not killed and the 'matadors' are not supposed to use any weapon. It is held in the villages of Tamil Nadu as a part of the village festival. The festivals are held from January to July, every year. Jallikattu's been played first in Palamedu,a village located near madurai on January 15 which was getting famous in recent years followed by the world-famous "Alanganallur-Jallikattu" in Alanganallur, another village near Madurai on 16 January. There is specific breed of cattle bred for this purpose which are called by two common name, Jellicut and from the place of a big breeder Pulikulam

History

Jallikattu, which is bull-baiting or bull fighting, is an ancient Tamilian tradition called Eruthazhuvuthal, popular amongst warriors during the Tamil classical period. According to legend, in olden days the game was used by women to choose their husbands. Successful "matadors" were chosen as grooms.

The term Jallikattu comes from the term Salli Kaasu (coins) and Kattu (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money. Later days during the colonial period this term got changed to Jallikattu which is the term currently used. It is said that the Tamil people hold on to their tradition forever. It is interesting to note that there is a seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicting the sport. It is currently preserved in the Delhi museum.

Variants

There are three versions of jallikattu:

Vadi manju virattu - This version takes place mostly in the districts of Madurai, Pudukkottai, Theni, Thanjavur, Salem. This version that has been popularised by television and movies involves the bull being released from an enclosure with an opening. As the bull comes out of the enclosure, one person clings to the hump of the bull. The bull in its attempt to shake him off will bolt (as in most cases), but some will hook the guy with their horns and throw him off. The rules specify that the person has to hold on to the running bull for a predetermined distance to win the prize. Only one person is supposed to attempt catching the bull, but this rule being strictly enforced depends on the village where the event is conducted and more importantly, the bull himself. Some bulls acquire a reputation and that alone is enough for them to be given an unhindered passage out of the enclosure and arena.

Vaeli virattu - This version is more popular in the districts of Sivagangai, and Madurai. The bull is released in an open ground. This version is the most natural as the bulls are not restricted in any way (no rope or determined path). The bulls once released just run away from the field in any direction that they prefer. Most don't even come close to any human, but there are a few bulls that don't run but stand their ground and attack anyone who tries to come near them. These bulls will "play" for some time (from a few minutes to a couple of hours) providing a spectacle for viewers, players and owners alike.

Vadam manjuvirattu - "vadam" means rope in Tamil. The bull is tied to a 50-foot-long rope (15 m) and is free to move within this space. A team of 7 or 9 members must attempt to subdue the bull within 30 minutes. This version is very safe for spectators as the bull is tied and the spectators are shielded by barricades.